THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) met with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) last Thursday to discuss new rules governing the “other charges” component of consumer power bills.
ERC said the dialogue was meant to ensure that the rules under Resolution 30, Series of 2026, would be implemented fairly, transparently and consistently for consumers, and also balance consumer protection with the operational and financial sustainability of electric cooperatives.
“Other charges” refer to fees collected by distribution utilities for specific services, such as reconnection and other consumer-requested activities, that are separate from regular electricity consumption charges.
During the discussions, the ERC said that Philreca raised concerns regarding prescribed service fees, labor and transportation costs, differences in operating conditions, accounting requirements and transition period for implementing the new rules.
The regulator said it reiterated that the charges must reflect prudent and reasonable costs without allowing consumers to be charged twice for expenses already covered by approved electricity rates.
It also recognized varying geographical and operational circumstances of cooperatives with regard to “other charges,” particularly those serving remote and island communities.
The discussion was said to have provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues involving electricity market billings and settlements, including line loss and congestion costs, and their potential implications for cooperative operations and electricity consumers.
